‘Young at Art’ 2012 opens a vista of possibilities to region’s middle school students

"Young at Art 2012" will give local middle school artists an opportunity to create and show a variety of artworks … and gain recognition in a regional Sacramento show. Courtesy photo

Art is a path for the exploration of beauty — a door to an infinite number of possibilities. It is not intended to be enjoyed or created only by the cultured or the elite. It is for all people, and for every age group.

This is especially true for young people, who see the future through a unique and hopeful perspective.

For the past four years the annual “Young at Art” show for middle school students in the Sacramento region has showcased the work of young artists. Students and schools from Sacramento, Davis, Auburn, Woodland, Granite Bay, Folsom and El Dorado Hills have participated in the past.

This annual student art show is highly anticipated and well attended. It is sponsored by St. Francis Catholic High School, which is known statewide and nationally for its programs in the visual and performing arts. Although St. Francis is a high school for young women, entries from both boys and girls are encouraged. The competition is open to students from public, private and home schools.

At a time when arts programs are operating in a “reduced” (or perhaps non-existent) role in some schools, this program provides individual students an opportunity to shine. There are no entry fees, and the grand opening of the show is a fun experience. The young people of this area are extremely talented.

The show is an opportunity for students to experience the procedures for entering an art show, as well as to have their talents acknowledged in a regional forum. It is an opportunity for inspiration and validation.

The grand opening of the art show will be held on Feb. 1 in the St. Francis High School Arts Complex at 5 p.m. All artists and their families are welcome. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m.

The prizes are pretty cool. These include art supplies (sketchbooks, charcoal, paints and more), gift certificates to local art supplies stores, etc. The grand prize is a full scholarship to the St. Francis High School Summer Arts Workshop for Middle School Students, worth $275. The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to pursue his or her arts passion with the direction of the Troubadour Art Department’s amazing faculty.

Entry details: Students and schools should deliver art works to the St. Francis High School Art Theatre Complex Foyer on Thursday, Jan. 26, between 3:30 and 5 p.m. Artwork will not be accepted at any other time or date. The campus is located at 5900 Elvas Ave. in Sacramento, just off 65th Street and Highway 50.

Pictures must be matted, but canvas and sculptures do not need matting. A 2”x3” label should be permanently affixed to the front, lower right hand corner of the work. Information on the label should include: 1. Student first and last name; 2. Student grade; 3. School full name; and 4. Art teacher name.

The limit for submissions is up to 25 pieces per school and one work per student. All mediums and sizes of art are accepted. For more information call (916) 737-5002.

Art is a vital expression of the creative mind. It encourages solutions-oriented thinking. And when young people are encouraged to “think outside the box,” amazing things can happen.